Between the mid seventies and the early nineteen nighties, Paul Erasmus was a secret police official in South Africa. His unit was responsible for what he calls dirty tricks, which included arson, sabotage, theft, discrediting people, illegal phone tapping, and firebombing. Then, before apartheid ended, he went in front of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, to confess to 500 offenses and 80 serious crimes and was granted partial amnesty in 2000.
Paul Erasmus attributes his return of conscience, in part, to the realisation that he had destroyed the career of a musician whose work, talent and passion he grew to admire and love.
Over time, a strange kind of respect and even friendship has developed between Roger Lucey, a political singer, and his former tormentor. Their new relationship is one example of the reconciliation that was part of the political achievement of post apartheid South Africa.

Program Credits

Tuning into the Enemy was produced by Judith Kampfner and mixed by Jared Weissbrot.

Resources

Links:Guide to ForgivenessHaving trouble forgiving after feeling hurt, disrespected or violated? Here are some points to help you.

Roger LuceyFind out what Roger Lucey has been up to since the political unrest of the Apartheid era that almost derailed his passion for music.

FreemuseIndependent international organization advocating freedom of expression for musicians and composers.

WomexWOMEX is the world’s biggest professional music Conference, Trade Fair and Showcase for world, roots, folk, ethnic, traditional, alternative world, local and diaspora music.

Apartheid's Friendsby: James Sanders 2006Apartheid's Friends : The Rise and Fall of the South African Secret Services

A Human Being Died That Nightby: Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela 2004A Human Being Died That Night : A South African Woman Confronts the Legacy of Apartheid

South African Truth Commissionby: Kenneth Christie 2000The South African Truth Commission assesses different versions of the South African past, the complex negotiations leading to the establishment of the Commission and the complex politics of amnesty, justice, and nation building.

Country of my Skullby: Antjie Krog 2000Country of My Skull: Guilt, Sorrow, and the Limits of Forgiveness in the New South Africa